Reduce Stress and Anxiety During the Holidays to Avoid Child Abuse

Childhelp’s prevention programs and resources can help reduce risk of abuse.

Childhelp.org - December 04, 2008

(PRNewsChannel) / Scottsdale, Ariz. / The holiday season can bring with it joy, love and happy times spent with family.  But add in financial frustrations and an increased likelihood of stress, and it can also bring with it an increased risk for child abuse. 

With children home from school, travel, seasonal shopping and the expenses that come with it, parents are under more stress than usual. What is usually a fun and happy time for kids can become devastating when parents cope by becoming physically or emotionally abusive with their children.

Each year more than 3 million cases of child abuse are reported to authorities and an estimated four children die each day in the U.S. as a result of abuse. 

“Stressful times can aggravate parents to do things they would normally not do,” said John Reid, Executive Director of Childhelp.  “We all can relate to how frustration can escalate all too quickly during these times of high stress.  The key is to find help and ways to reduce stress levels before it becomes an issue.”

Childhelp’s prevention programs include:

• The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD) which is staffed 24 hours daily by professional crisis counselors. The confidential and anonymous Hotline offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.  For any parent struggling with the added burdens of financial stress, this hotline can be an invaluable resource for finding positive parenting tips and support resources.
• The Childhelp Web site at www.childhelp.org which provides great resources and tips for stressed out parents.

“The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD) is an invaluable resource for parents,” continued Reid.  “Any time of day or night, there is a professional counselor ready to answer calls and provide tips for positive parenting, ways to cope with stress and resources and help in your local area.”

About Childhelp
CEO and Co-Founder Sara O’Meara and President and Co-Founder Yvonne Fedderson started Childhelp® in 1959, establishing it as a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect and at-risk children. Childhelp’s approach focuses on advocacy, prevention, treatment and community outreach.

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD®, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and receives calls from throughout the United States, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam. Childhelp’s programs and services also include residential treatment services; children’s advocacy centers; therapeutic foster care; group homes and child abuse prevention, education and training. Childhelp also created the National Day of Hope®, held each April during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, that mobilizes people across America to join the fight against child abuse.

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Derrek Hofrichter
Communications Manager       
480-922-8212/ cell 480-297-8445

Source Web Site: Childhelp.org